Jakarta (VNA) – A blueprint that setsthe future direction of the ASEAN-Japan economic pa🍒rtnership for the nextdecades is now under discussion.

Speaking at the recent ASEAN Youth Economic Forum 2023 heldin Jakarta, Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko said that his country hasalways been  and will always be with ASEAN to overcome challenges. ASEAN and Japan are entering their 50th year of relationsthis year. However, their relationship has dramatically changed over the pastdecades, not to mention the common challenges that both sides face.  Japan supported ASEAN's industrialisation and economicdevelopment. However, it is today facing economic stagnation and an agingpopulation. ASEAN, on the other hand, is flourishing into an economic growthcentre, and now has other countries like China and the Republic of Koreaactively investing in the region. Ambassador Kiva said that Japan is pushing for ASEAN to“co-create” a vision that can redefine their economic ties for the comingdecades. Accordingly, the vision will encompass four pillars of action, amongothers, promoting open innovation beyond borders.  Ryosuke Fujioka, the chief representative at theASEAN-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), toldreporters on the sideline of the forum that the 2023 ASEAN Youth Economic Forum creates a chance for Southeast Asian youths to give their input into this visionwith discussions focusing on the circular economy. He described the ASEAN-Japan trade pattern as“somewhat unique”. Kao Kim Hourn, the secretary-general of ASEAN, said at aconference on ASEAN-Japan relations last month that the bloc is aiming toexpand the "one-stop shop" with Japan, thereby increasing two-waytrade in 2023. The Southeast Asian bloc posted 240.2 billion USD intrade volume with Japan in 2021, up by 17.2% year-on-year, which made Japan ASEAN’s third-largest trade partner.  Japan is also ASEAN’s fourth-largest investor as directinvestment from Japan in ASEAN rose 3.5% year-on-year to 12 USD billion in2021./.